No Rival Theater District

December 18, 1985

Just as long-delayed plans for a North Loop theater district began to move, a prominent developer asked City Hall`s blessing for a theater district a few blocks east along the lakefront. If nothing else were in the works, Bernard Weissbourd`s plan for a $200 million arts complex in his Illinois Center would be worth pursuing. But with heavy public and private dollars and investment in the North Loop, it`s ridiculous to start a rival project.

Chicago has a healthy, growing theater industry. It should be able to support the four performing-arts houses planned for the North Loop. But the downtown area is still struggling to get back into the nightlife business. Three other large theaters a short walk away could sink both projects.

There can be no question which development has top priority. North Loop revival has headed the city`s planning agenda for years. It has enormous potential as a source of new jobs, sales tax revenue and round-the-clock life in an ailing area. The city Planning Department has solid commitments from private investors for North Loop hotel, commercial and residential

development. Those investors are counting on an adjacent theater district to help make their projects successful.

A group of local investors has pledged its dollars to resurrect the Chicago Theater as a performing arts showcase. City and federal tax money will be invested in this project and other North Loop developments. Mayor Washington cannot jeopardize this investment by indulging Mr. Weissbourd`s dream.

To get city approval for Illinois Center in 1969, the developers promised to create a six-acre lakefront park. They reneged, and now Mr. Weissbourd wants to use that land for his arts center. The mayor should tell him to leave that to the North Loop and start fulfilling the promise he made 16 years ago.